The Redskins have agreed to sign free agent defensive lineman Arthur Jones, as the veteran himself indicated on Twitter. John Keim of ESPN.com confirms the pending transaction, noting Washington will make the move official once it decides whom to release in order to create a roster spot.
Jones hasn’t drawn a lick of interest since being released by the Colts earlier this year, and while that could be health-related (Jones underwent hernia surgery in June), Jones’ play in 2016 didn’t do him any favors. After agreeing to a pay cut and serving a four-game PED ban, Jones appeared in eight games for Indianapolis and graded as a bottom-10 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus.
That’s not to say the Redskins can’t use the 31-year-old Jones, especially against the run (Washington ranks 27th in adjusted line yards). First-round rookie Jonathan Allen is now on injured reserve, and while he could return later this year, he’s out for at least another six weeks. Jones will play alongside Stacy McGee, Terrell McClain, Ziggy Hood, Matt Ioannidis, and Anthony Lanier in the Redskins’ 3-4 front.